YORK today opened its arms to 12 homesick young Romanian seamen who have been stranded in Hull since January.

The penniless young sea-salts, many of them with young families in Romania, have been staying at the Seamans Mission in Hull since their ship The Snagov was "arrested".

But today they had a taste of York hospitality in an effort to cheer them up and give them that 'home from home' feeling.

They were taken on a whistle-stop tour of York Castle Museum and the Jorvik Viking Centre, as well as having lunch at Hudson's Deli in Micklegate.

Seamans Mission manageress Rosemary Foster said their ship had been seized by Admiralty officials after the company which owned it failed to pay bills when it docked at Immingham.

"Since then the crew haven't had any wages and have no money to get home," she said.

"Most of them are young men in their late 20s and early 30s and have young families back at home waiting for them.

"It's very difficult for them."

During their three months in Hull, the men had learned quite a lot of English, she said, but were struggling to find things to do to fill the time.

"They've been round all the museums in Hull and I was telling them about what a lovely city York was and they asked if they could visit," she said.

"We contacted the tourism bureau and they organised a day out - the men were thrilled to bits."

Patrick Thornber, from York Tourism Bureau, said the group were visiting York Castle Museum, having lunch at Hudsons Deli in Micklegate, then visiting the Jorvik Viking Centre in the afternoon.

"We were delighted to welcome the crewmen to York," he said.

Rosemary said the plight of the Romanian men was a common one and the Mission often looked after crews of many different nationalities

"The ship company's bills are all being dealt with by insurance companies at the moment and the men are waiting to hear if the ship will be sold off," she said.

"If it is, then they will be given the money they need to get home."

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